Altering program to add copies to be milled.

[Desertrunner]

I was wondering if I can have a number of repeats drawn but develop the program using one then when developed bring in the copies with out re doing the program.
Tony

[kvom]

If you want to have minimum tool changes then you will probably want to regenerate the g-code after debugging the first copy.

What I would do is draw the part, apply MOPS, and machine the first one.  When it's correct, make multiple copies of the part drawing via the array copy feature, then add the appropriate elements of the copies to each original MOP.  Then regenerate the toolpaths and g-code.

With a tool changer, you could configure multiple work offsets on your mill and rerun the program using each offset.

[Jeff_Birt]

Read through this thread: http://www.cambam.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=841.0 , I have used this method and it does work well. The downside as mentioned above is that if you have any tool changes you will have to change tools each time for each part.

[Desertrunner]

Thanks guys that makes sense.  Is there anyway to add Gcode in the main program that will stay there throught all the changes, such as a "M1" code.
Tony

[Desertrunner]

Found how and tried it out.  Added code in the "footer".  Its all good have a great day.
Tony